Mavericks eject fan for protesting Luka Doncic trade during Kings game

The Dallas Mavericks sent their fanbase into a frenzy after trading star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month. More than a week has passed since the head-turning move but the heat isn't dying down on the Mavericks' front office, namely general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont.

Harrison has been at the center of the anger following the revelation that he was the one who originally reached out to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka to begin the trade discussions. The move has led hundreds of fans to cancel their season tickets and television packages while sparking others to take the protest to the American Airlines Center.

Dallas played its second consecutive home game on Monday night, falling 129-128 in an overtime defeat to the Sacramento Kings where DeMar DeRozan hit a game-winner with two seconds remaining. During the contest, the arena staff seemingly made it a point to be cautious with the fans they were displaying on the video board.

That strategy didn't end up being entirely successful. In the second half, the Mavericks held a karaoke cam as those in attendance sang along to the classic hit 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston.

Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison speaks with fans before the game between the Dallas and the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In a moment of poetic justice, one fan was spotted mouthing 'fire Nico' into the camera as the lyrics 'I need a man who'll take a chance' blared in the background. The camera swiftly zoomed out and tried to focus elsewhere but the damage was already done.

During the Mavs Karaoke Cam a fan looked like he mouthed “FIRE NICO” and they quickly pulled out.

This was the first time fans have been shown on the video board since The Trade. pic.twitter.com/WzMQQzyd4L
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) February 11, 2025

It was certainly a bold choice - one that the franchise obviously didn't appreciate. A short time later, security removed the person from the arena as the Mavericks continue to alienate their own fanbase.

The fan who mouthed “fire nico” to the jumbotron has been escorted out of AAC. To raucous booing. pic.twitter.com/QE7eJxS7gH
— RJ Coyle (@coylio33) February 11, 2025

Late in the game, the Mavericks sent another fan packing, according to the Dallas Morning News' Brad Townsend.

Another fan has been escorted out. More boos.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 11, 2025

One bad move after another in Dallas. Considering that Anthony Davis is already sidelined with an injury, 'fire Nico' may become a reality rather than a hope the longer this fallout continues.